Part 3 - Engagement prior to a search

5. Engagement - Steps to be taken
before conducting a search

5.1 This Code does not affect a constable's ability to speak to
a member of the public in the course of the constable's duties (see
Note
1). Stop and search is only one aspect of policing. Engagement
(
i.e. how constables interact with
members of the public and how members of the public interact with
constables) can be a key factor in determining outcomes, including
public confidence, as well, for example, as allaying suspicions or
establishing or confirming grounds for search.

5.2 Unless the circumstances described in the first sentence of
paragraph 4.9 exist, before carrying out a
search, a constable should try to engage with the individual (see
paragraphs
4.10 - 4.13). Constables should use
every-day language, build a rapport where possible, and treat
everyone with fairness, integrity and respect.

5.3 Constables may, as a result of their engagement, decide not
to search a person (see
paragraph 4.12).